Have you been laid off, furloughed, or lost grants due to recent federal cuts and freezes? Have you experienced reductions in social security? Are you concerned about your ability to access or maintain access to food housing, healthcare, employment, etc.?
If so, please let our rabbi know at rabbigorban@tbetacoma.org as soon as you can. We are trying to ascertain the extent of the losses in our TBE community with an eye to convening a session for addressing this uncertainty together and supporting one another in coming weeks.
Please be in touch with her directly and confidentially.
Temple Beth El
5975 South 12th Street
Tacoma, WA 98465
March 27, 2025 / 27 Adar 5785
Volume 23, No. 25
TORAH READING
P'kudei
Exodus 39:22-32
Maftir
Exodus 12:1-20
Haftarah
Ezekiel 45:16-46:18
Candle Lighting
7:16 p.m.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
EREV SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Friday, March 28, 6:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join us online or in person for an Erev Shabbat service. Join us at 5:45 p.m., before the service, for an oneg held in the social hall.
TORAH STUDY & SHABBAT SERVICE (multi-access) Saturday, March 29, 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Our Saturday worship experience begins with Torah study, which goes from 9:00–9:45 a.m. This will be followed by services beginning at 10:00 a.m. (online and in person). At the conclusion of the service, the community is invited to join us in the social hall for a potluck pescatarian kiddush luncheon.
LANDSCAPING SPRING SPIFF-IT-UP DAY Sunday, March 30, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Bring your gloves and your favorite garden tools for this spiff-it-up day at temple, focused on the patio outside the social hall and the biblical garden! Refreshments will be provided. If you're interested in helping, email Jaque at jaquelyn.kleiner@gmail.com and Teddy at frontdesk@tbetacoma.org!
COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER Sunday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate Passover with us! All are invited to join together for our Community Seder. Together, we’ll honor this cherished tradition, share in the mitzvot of the Seder, and enjoy a delicious meal lovingly prepared by volunteers. The seder will be led by Rabbi Gorban, and will also feature Raymond Zachary, our High Holy Days Cantorial Soloist, who is returning to help co-lead. All are welcome but space is limited—register here to make sure you snag a seat! Reservations required by Sunday, April 6, 2025.
PARADE MUSICAL OUTING Sunday, April 20, 1:30–4:00 p.m.
"Parade"tells the heart-wrenching true story of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jewish man living in Atlanta, Georgia who was wrongfully convicted of the 1913 rape and murder of his 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan, in 1913. Despite a lack of evidence and a commuted sentence, Frank was lynched by a mob in Mary’s hometown. This powerful musical highlights a momentous case that drew national attention to antisemitism. Join TBE members in a group outing to see it at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle. There are 10 tickets, so reserve your seat soon by emailing Pam at pamloginsky@wavecable.com. Tickets are $79.50 per seat, with a few tickets available at reduced or no cost upon request!
SAVE THE DATE
SECOND ANNUAL BELC FUNDRAISER Saturday, May 3, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing, signature cocktails, raffles, a silent auction, and a dessert dash—all while supporting a cause that truly matters. We’re raising $20,000 to support the BELC through classroom material upgrades, staff benefits/pay, and a potential scholarship program. Your attendance will directly impact the future of our children’s learning environment, so read more and register ahead of time by clicking here!
OPPORTUNITIES
WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTION
We are at a crucial moment in shaping the future of Israel and the Jewish people. The World Zionist Congress elections provide a unique opportunity for you to champion the values you hold dear: equality, democracy, pluralism, justice, and peace. We need you to help ensure religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a path to peace. Your vote directly impacts funding, recognition, and the future of Reform and progressive Judaism in Israel. Cast your ballot for the Vote Reform slate (#3) today! A vote for the Vote Reform slate is also a vote for Rabbi Gorban to be part of the decision-making process in the World Zionist Congress this October. Voting is open from March 10–May 4.
SISTERHOOD NEEDS YOU
The Sisterhood Nominating Committee is looking to expand their board in the following roles, keeping fresh with new ideas! They are all 2-year terms for the 2025-2026 year that begin after the Sisterhood Shabbat on June 20, 2025:
- Leadership Council Co-Chair (with Melissa Medved) - Project & Events Manager
- Recording Secretary
- Sisterhood Board Liaison on TBE Building Committee
In addition to the above positions, we need women to join our team focusing on the Sisterhood Shabbat. If you're interested in any of these opportunities or have any questions, please contact Bonnie Becker at pisastero@gmail.com.
BELC WANTS TO RECYCLE YOUR OLD MAGAZINES
Do you have piles of Better Homes & Gardens or other similar magazines you're looking to rehome? Brotman Early Learning Center wants to use them in an upcoming kids' art project! Drop them off at temple during open office hours.
MATANOT L'EVYONIM: SISTERHOOD'S EFN FUNDRAISER
From March 1–31, Sisterhood is collecting donations for the Emergency Food Network, honoring Purim’s mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim (gifts for the poor). Help us fulfill this tradition by sharing our bounty with those in need. Together, we can fight hunger in our community! Click here to donate.
CAMP SOLOMON SCHECHTER WOMEN'S GETAWAY 2025
Picture yourself spending Shabbat surrounded by the beauty of camp, connecting with incredible women and enjoying activities that inspire, relax, and energize you. Whether you’re into hiking, crafting, yoga, or simply soaking in Lake Stampfer, we’ve got something for you! Learn more by clicking here and act fast, spaces are filling up! Q's? Contact Leah at lconley@campschechter.org.
INFORMATION
SUPPORT FOR "MY SOCIAL SECURITY" ACCESS
On March 24, 2025, changes to the Social Security identity rules were announced that may affect you or your family. Each recipient must confirm their identity by setting up a "my Social Security" online account or go into an office physically to prove their identity. The Social Security Administration has said you only need to do this if you want to change information. However, there have been several official releases from SSA putting that assertion into question. The safest option is to set up the "my Social Security" online account. If you would like assistance navigating this website, contact info@tbetacoma.org.
JUDAICA SHOP
Please come visit the shop to purchase your favorite Passover food selections! We have matzah, prepared desserts, mixes, and other "Kosher for Passover" foods.
We accept card transactions only. Our hours are as follows:
– Sundays: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
– Wednesdays: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
– Fridays: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
We are still in need of volunteers to ensure the shop can always be open during regular hours. You can get in touch with Connie Person or Aubrey Sagalovich to volunteer or to schedule a shopping appointment outside of our regular hours by sending an email to judaica@tbetacoma.org.
CONTACT THE CLERGY
If you have a question or concern you would like to share with the clergy, please email Rabbi Gorban at rabbigorban@tbetacoma.org.
TACHLIS
WANT TO SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT?
If you have an item you would like included in this weekly newsletter, please email it to frontdesk@tbetacoma.org by noon on Wednesday. Submissions must adhere to the guidelines, which may be found here.
For the URJ's transliteration guidelines, click here. Please note that submissions that do not follow these guidelines may not be accepted.
